A photographic film assemblage for a diffusion transfer film

ABSTRACT

A photographic film assemblage including a container, a plurality of self-developing film units within the container which are adapted to be sequentially exposed and treated with a liquid processing composition, and members associated with the container so as to form an integral part of the assemblage for controlling the distribution of the liquid processing composition during treatment of a film unit. A photographic apparatus with which the film assemblage is adapted to be used includes structure for locating the distribution control members in operative association with a film unit located in position for exposure and subsequent treatment with the liquid processing composition.

United States Patent [191 Alston et al.

[ Dec. 18, 1973 PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM ASSEMBLAGE V 7 FOR A DIFFUSIONTRANSFER FILM [73] Assignee: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge,

Mass.

[22] Filed: Apr. 24, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 246,701

[52] US. Cl. 96/76 C, 95/13 [51] Int. Cl G03c 1/48 [58] Field of Search96/76 C, 76 R, 29; 95/13 [56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS3,707,116 12/1972 Gold 96/76 3,707,370 12/1972 Rasmussen et al 96/76 C3,582,335 6/1971 Erlichman 96/76 C Primary Examiner-Norman G. TorchinAssistant Examiner.lohn L. Goodrou Attorney-John S. Vale 57] ABSTRACT Aphotographic film assemblage including a container, a plurality ofself-developing film units within the container which are adapted to besequentially exposed and treated with a liquid processing composition,and members associated with the container so as to form an integral partof the assemblage for controlling the distribution of the liquidprocessing composition during treatment of a film unit. A photographicapparatus with which the film assemblage is adapted to be used includesstructure for locating the distribution control members in operativeassociation with a film unit located in position for exposure andsubsequent treatment with the liquid processing composition.

26 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENIED DEC] 8 i973 SHEEI 1 BF 5 PATENTEDBWHH' 3 779 770 sum 2 UF 5 FIG. 3

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SHEET 5 (If 5 PI-IOTOGRAPI-IIC FILM ASSEMBLAGE FOR A DIFFUSION TRANSFERFILM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention relates to the field of photography and, more particularly, tophotographic film assemblages and photographic apparatus with which theassemblages are adapted to be used.

2. Description of the Prior Art An important step in the processing of aself developing film unit is the spreading of a liquid processingcomposition between and in contact with an exposed photosensitiveelement and a superposed image receiving element to initiate a diffusiontransfer process. In order to achieve an optimum quality positive print,it is desirable that the processing fluid be spread such that it coversthe entire photoexposed area in a thin uniform layer.

A typical film unit includes a photosensitive element, animage-receiving element which may be superposed on the photosensitiveelement subsequent to exposure or may be transparent and predisposed onthe photosensitive element such that exposure may be made through theimage-receiving element, and a rupturable pod or container of processingfluid located at one end of the two elements.

In a typical self-developing photographic system, the film units arearranged in stacked relation within a film container which is adapted tobe inserted into the receiving chamber of an appropriate camera tolocate the forwardmost film unit in the stack in position for exposure.

Subsequent to exposure, the forwardmost film unit is extracted from thefilm container and is advanced, pod first, between a pair of. pressureapplying members mounted within the camera. The pressure applyingmembers exert a compressive force on the pod causing it to rupture anddischarge the fluid between the exposed photosensitive element and thesuperposed image-receiving element. Continued advancement of the filmunit between the pressure applying members results in the fluid beingadvanced along a liquid wave front toward the trailing end of the filmunit such that it is progressively distributed over the photoexposedarea of the film unit.

The uniformity of the liquid layer is, to a large degree, determined bythe initial shape of the liquid wave front. In order to uniformly spreadthe processing composition over a substantially rectangular or squarephotoexposed area it is preferable that the wave front be disposed in asubstantially straight line which extends outwardly to the lateralmargins of the area and is oriented in a direction that is normal to thedirection of film advancement between the pressure applying members.

There are several factors which effect the initial shape of the wavefront. One is a design of the pod and its rupture characteristics.Another relates to the viscosity and amount of liquid enclosed by thepod. The wave front shape is also influenced by the velocity at whichthe film unit is advanced through the pressure applying members, theamount of compressive pressure exerted on the film unit, and theresistance to fluid flow at the interfaces between the liquid and thesuperposed film unit elements.

One of the most commonly observed spread shapes is a tongue shapewherein the wave front progresses more rapidly at the central portion ofthe photoexposed or image-forming area than out at the lateral margins.This condition may be caused by an uneven distribution of liquid uponinitial discharge from the pod, i.e., more liquid being concentrated atthe center of the film unit than out at its edges. In the subsequentspreading of the tongue-shaped wave front, it is possible that thecorners of the image-forming area at the trailing end of the film unitwill be coated with a layer of fluid of reduced depth or thickness, ornot be coated at all.

One method employed to compensate for a tongueshaped wave front has beento provide excess fluid in the pod. Another method has been to equip thecamera with spread control devices which serve to modify the shape ofthe liquid wave front during spreading.

The spread control devices are designed to apply a second compressiveforce to the central portion of the film unit in the path of the mass offluid discharged from the pod by the pressure applying members. Thisserves to retard the central portion of the wave front and cause a flowof liquid in a direction transverse to the direction of filmadvancement. In this manner, the wave front is modified such that it issubstantially straight and is oriented in a direction substantiallynormal to the parallel sides of the rectangular or square image-formingarea.

For example of cameras which are equipped with devices for controllingthe distribution of liquid processing composition, reference may be hadto U.S. Pat. No. 2,991,703, issued to V. K. Eloranta on July ll, 1961,and U.S. Pat. No. 3,416,427, issued to J. B. Murphy on Dec. 17, 1968,both of which are assigned to the same assignee as the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improvementsin systems for controlling the distribution of a liquid processingcomposition as it is spread between the photosensitive element and thesuperposed image-receiving element of a film unit.

More specifically, the present invention provides a film assemblagewhich includes a container, a plurality of self developing film unitsand structure associated with the container, such that it forms anintegral part of the assemblage, for controlling the distribution of aliquid processing composition as a film unit is advanced betweenpressure applying members mounted in a camera. Also, photographicapparatus in the form of a camera is provided which includes a housing,a chamber for receiving the film container to locate one of the filmunits therein in position for exposure, processing or pressure applyingmeans, and means for engaging the container to locate and maintain thedistribution control structure associated therewith in operativerelation with the film unit located in position for exposure andsubsequent treatment with the processing fluid.

After exposure, a film unit is advanced through a withdrawal slot in thecontainer and into engagement with the pressure applying members whichcause the film unit pod to rupture and discharge the processing fluidbetween the superposed photosensitive and image-receiving elements. Bycontinuing to advance the film unit, the pressure applying membersspread the fluid toward the trailing end of the film unit and towardsthe withdrawal slot through which the film unit is being advanced.

In one embodiment, the distribution control members may includeprojections located near the film container withdrawal slot such thatthey extend into the path of travel of the film unit and selectivelyapply compressive pressure to a central portion of the film unit in thepath of the advancing liquid front as the film unit is being extractedfrom the container. In effect, the rapidly advancing central portion ofthe liquid front is retarded which causes the liquid to flowtransversely of the direction of film advancement thereby modifying theshape of the spread such that it is substantially straight.

In other embodiments, the forward wall of the container includesdistribution control recesses, or is configured to have selectivesections thereof removed, such that a portion of the forward wall,intermediate the recesses or removed sections, engages the centralportion of the film unit to selectively retard the wave front as thefilm unit is advanced through the withdrawal slot.

In a preferred embodiment the film container is formed of athermoplastic material and includes relatively thin walls, one of whichsupports the distribution control members. Advantageously, the camera isprovided with a receiving chamber which includes surfaces for engagingand restraining any movement or distortion of the film container walls,thereby serving to accurately locate the distribution control members inoperative association with a film unit located in position for exposureand subsequent treatment with the liquid processing composition.

A major advantage of incorporating the distribution control members intothe film container is that they may be specifically designed to optimizethe spreading characteristics of the particular type of film storedtherein. For example, the processing fluid pod construction and rupturecharacteristics, and the viscosity and amount of fluid contained thereinmay significantly differ in black and white and color film units. Whenadvanced through the same pressure applying members, at the samevelocity, the shape of the liquid wave front may be significantlydifferent for each type of film unit and thereby require distributioncontrol members which vary in size, shape, disposition relative to thefilm unit, and the amount of pressure applied thereto. If thedistribution control members are permanently mounted in a camera whichis adapted to accept more than one type of film unit, their design maybe, at best, a compromise.

Another significant advantage of mounting the distribution controlmember in the film container relates to economics. Since the controlmembers are only utilized to process the number of film units within thecontainer and are then discarded, they may be advantageously formed of alow cost plastic material. On the other hand, when they are permanentlymounted in the camera they are generally formed of a metal to minimizethe amount of wear on their bearing surfaces in view of the significantnumber of film units to be processed.

Also, by removing the distribution control member from the camerahousing, a saving of space is realized which may be utilized to housestructure for providing another function or reduce the overalldimensions of the camera.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide aphotographic film assemblage including a container, a film unit withinthe container which is adapted to be treated with a liquid processingcomposition and means associated with the container to form an integralpart of the assemblage for controlling the distribution of theprocessing composition during treatment of the film unit.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a photographicfilm assemblage which is adapted for use with photographic apparatus ofthe type including pressure applying means for spreading a liquidprocessing composition between superposed elements of a film unit andthe assemblage includes a container having means for controlling thedistribution of the liquid processing composition as it is spread by thepressure applying means.

It is yet another object of the present invention to providephotographic apparatus adapted for use with a photographic filmassemblage of the type including a container, a plurality of film unitsadapted to be sequentially exposed and treated with a liquid processingcomposition, and means for controlling the distribution of theprocessing composition during treatment of the film unit and theapparatus includes a housing, means for receiving and supporting thecontainer to locate a film unit in position for exposure, and means forlocating the distribution control means in operative association withthe film unit located in position for exposure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system for spreading aliquid processing composition between superposed elements of a film unitwhich features photographic apparatus including pressure applyingmembers for spreading the processing fluid and a film assemblage whichincludes a film container having structure associated therewith forcontrolling the distribution of fluid during spreading such that severaldifferent types of film assemblages may be used with the samephotographic apparatus and each different assemblage may includedistribution control members which are designed to optimize thespreading characteristic of a particular type of film unit containedtherein.

Other objects of the invention will, in part, be obvious and will, inpart, appear hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a fuller understanding of thenature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to thefollowing detailed description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a photographic film assemblageembodying the instant invention showing the construction and location ofvarious components of the assemblage;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a self-developing film unit;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged elevational view, partly in section, of a portionof the film assemblage and camera showing a film unit in operativeassociation with a pair of pressure applying rollers mounted in thecamera and distribution control members located in the film container;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view, partly in section, of a camera having afilm assemblage located at an operative position therein;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a film unit showing the progressiveadvancement of a liquid wave front, in

dotted lines, to illustrate the distribution of processing compositionwhen distribution control members are not utilized in the spread system;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a film unit showing progressiveadvancement of a liquid wave front, in dotted lines, showing themodification of the shape of the wave front caused by the distributioncontrol members;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of a filmcontainer embodying the instant invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of afilm container embodying the instant invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of a filmcontainer embodying the instant invention;

FIG. 9a is an elevational view of the film container of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 9b is a perspective view of a section of the film container of FIG.9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The components of a photographicfilm assemblage 10 embodying the instant invention are shown in explodedfashion in FIG. 1 of the drawings. They include a box-like filmcontainer 12 and its contents, dark slide 14, a plurality ofself-developing film units 16, a film support member 18, and preferablyan electrical battery 20.

Film container 12 is preferably molded of an opaque thermoplasticmaterial, such as polystyrene, and includes relatively thin,substantially planar walls. A forward wall 22 includes a generallyrectangular upstanding rib 24 which defines the bounds of a generallyrectangular light-transmitting section or exposure aperture 26.Depending from three sides of forward wall 22 are a pair of side walls28 and a trailing end wall 30 which serve to space a substantiallyplanar rear wall 32 from forward wall 22.

The leading ends of forward wall 22, side walls 28, and rear wall 32cooperated to define an elongated rectangular opening 34 at the leadingend of container 12 through which the contents may be inserted. Afterinsertion, a leading end wall 36 which is preferably coupled totheleading end of rear wall 32 by integrally formed flexible hinges 38, maybe rotated 90 and joined to the leading ends of side walls 28, and rearwall 32 by any suitable method such as ultrasonic welding.

It will be noted that when leading end wall 36 is located in its closedposition, its top edge 39 is spaced from the leading end of forward wall22 such that an elongated withdrawal slot 40 is formed therebetween (seeFIG. 3) through which dark slide 14 and film units 16 may besequentially extracted from container 12.

The contents of film container 12 are preferably arranged therein in thestacked relation shown in FIG. 1. Battery is substantially flat and ispositioned over the interior surface of rear wall 32 such that twoelectrodes on the underside of the battery (not shown) are aligned witha pair of tear-drop shaped openings 42 in rear wall 32. When container12 is operatively positioned in a suitable camera, a pair of electricalcontacts mounted therein are adapted to extend through openings 42 forcoupling battery 20 to the cameras electrical system which may includean automatic exposure control circuit, a flash mode circuit, andelectrically driven film advance and processing mechanisms.

Positioned between the stack of film units 16 and battery 20 is the filmsupport member 18 which serves to spring bias the film units 16 towardsthe interior surface of forward wall 22. Preferably, support member 18includes a rectangular open support frame 44 for engaging the peripheralmargins of the rearwardmost film unit in the stack, and a generallyH-shaped center section 46 coupled to support frame 44 and includingfour resilient legs 48 which bear against battery 20 and provide anupward biasing force.

The film units 16 preferably include a rectangular or squarephotosensitive image-forming area 50, which is surrounded by opaquemargins, and a rupturable pod 52, containing a liquid processingcomposition, located at the leading end of thefilm unit outside of thebounds of the image-forming area 50. A more detailed discussion of theconstruction of film units 16 will appear hereinafter.

The film units 16 are arranged in stacked relation on top of supportframe 44 with their image-forming areas 50 facing towards the exposureaperture 26 in container forward wall 22. Subsequent to the removal ofdark slide 14, the forwardmost film unit 16 bears against the interiorsurface of forward 22 and is in position for exposure to actinicradiation transmitted through exposure aperture 26.

It will be noted that the leading end of the forwardmost film unit 16,containing pod 52 is also aligned with withdrawal slot 40 at the leadingend of container 12. Subsequent to exposure, the forwardmost film unitis adapted to be engaged by a film advancing mechanism in the camera andmoved out of container 12 through slot 40 for processing. Access forengaging the trailing end of the forwardmost film unit to move itforwardly through slot 40 is provided by an opening 53 located inforward wall 22 and the trailing end wall 30 of container 12.

Dark slide 14 is formed of any suitable opaque material such ascardboard, paper, or plastic and is initially positioned between theforwardmost film unit 16 and the interior surface of forward wall 22. Itserves to light seal exposure aperture 26 and opening 53. Once filmcontainer 12 is located at its operative position within a camera, itmay be removed through withdrawal slot 40 in the same manner as theforwardmost film unit 16.

In order to light seal withdrawal slot 40, container 12 is preferablyprovided with an opaque flexible sheet 55 which is secured at one end toexterior surface of leading end wall 36 and is disposed in closingrelation to slot 40. This sheet forms a primary light seal for block inglight when container 12 is located within a camera. A secondary lightshield for blocking slot 40 prior to inserting container 12 into thecamera may also be provided in the form of an end cap member 58. Member58 is coupled to leading end wall 36 and includes an end cap 60 which isinitially positioned in closing relation to the primary light seal 55and withdrawal slot 40 and may be pivoted to an open position inresponse to inserting container 12 into the camera. For details as tothe construction and operation of end cap member 58, reference may behad to the copending application of Nicholas Gold, Ser. No. 213,989,filed on Dec. 30, 1971, which is also assigned to the same assignee asthe present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawing, a typical self-developingfilm unit 16 generally includes a photosensitive sheet or element 54 anda superposed, transparent image-receiving sheet or element 56 whichcooperate to form a laminate. The laminate s structural integrity mayalso be enhanced or provided, in whole or in part, by providing abinding member 61 which extends around the edges of the laminate. Thebinding member 61 may take the form of an opaque, pressuresensitiveadhesive tape which also serves to provide lateral margins 62, andleading and trailing end longitudinal margins 63 and 64 bordering thephotosensitive image-form area 50.

The rupturable pod 52 preferably comprises a rectangular blank of fluidand air impervious sheet material folded longitudinally upon itself toform two walls 65 which are sealed to one another along their lateralend margins 66 and longitudinal margin 68 to form a cavity in which aliquid processing composition 70 is retained. The longitudinal seal 68is made weaker than the lateral end seals 66 so as to become unsealed inresponse to hydraulic pressure generated within the liquid 70 by theapplication of compressive pressure to the walls 65 of the pod 52.

As best shown in FIG. 3, pod 52 is fixedly secured to the leading endsof the superposed elements 54 and 56 such that the weaker longitudinalseal 68 is positioned to effect an unidirectional discharge of the fluid70 between the photosensitive element 54 and the imagereceiving element56 upon application of compressive pressure to pod 52.

In use, film unit 16 is subjected to actinic radiation which is directedthrough the transparent imagereceiving element 56 to photo-expose andform latent images in the underlying photosensitive element 54. The filmunit then may be advanced, pod 52 first, between a pair of juxtaposedcylindrical rollers 72 and 74 (see FIG. 3) which apply a compressivepressure to the walls 65 of pod 52 and induce a hydraulic pressure influid 70 thereby causing seal 68 to rupture. The fluid 70 is discharged,in a mass, between elements 54 and 56, at margin 63, and is spreadbetween and in contact therewith in a thin layer towards margin 64 byrollers 72 and 74, as film unit 16 is further advanced between therollers, thereby covering the photo-exposed area 50 with the liquidprocessng composition 70. Processing composition 70 initiates adiffusion transfer process which results in a positive print beingformed in the transparent image-receiving sheet 56.

At this point it may be well to explain that the description of filmunit 16, as including a photosensitive element 54 and an image-receivingelement 56 is an over simplification to aid in illustrating theconstruction of the film units in the drawings.

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,644, issued to E. H. Land on Dec.10, 1968, the film unit generally includes an opaque bottom sheet, atransparent top sheet, and a plurality of individual layers ofphotographic materials located therebetween to form the laminate. Theselayers include a photosensitive layer positioned over the bottom sheet,and an imagereceiving layer positioned between the photosensitive layerand the top sheet. The term photosensitive layer is meant to include oneor more individual photosensitive layers. Therefore, when it is statedthat the processing fluid 70 is spread between and in contact withelements 54 and 56, it will be understood that the fluid 70 may bespread between any two predetermined adjacent layers in the film unit.

As noted earlier, it is desirable that the layer of processingcomposition between elements 54 and 56 be of uniform thickness over theentire image-forming area 50 to obtain an optimum quality positiveprint. It was also noted that the uniformity of the liquid layer isinfluenced by the initial shape of the wave front of the mass of liquidas it is discharged from pod 52.

Different types of film units tend to have different initial wave frontshapes due to variances in their pod design, pod seal rupturecharacteristics, the amount and viscosity of the liquid processingcomposition enclosed by the pod, and the resistance to fluid flow at theinterface between the fluid and the superposed elements forming thelaminate.

A commonly observed wave front 76 is illustrated in FIG. 5. It is tongueor bow-shaped, i.e., the liquid 70 initially tends to move towards thetrailing end of the film unit more rapidly at the central portion of thephotoexposed image-forming area 50 than out at lateral margins 62thereof. This is generally caused by more fluid being concentrated atthe center of pod 50 than out near the end seals 66 and also by theinfluence of binding member 61 at the lateral margins 62.

As the film unit 16 is advanced, therollers 72 and 74 progressivelyspread the fluid 70 (as shown in dotted lines) towards the trailing endmargin 64 which may include an integrally formed reservoir or trap forcollecting and retaining excess fluid. Because there is an unevenlateral distribution of fluid, the depth or thickness of the layer maybe reduced near the corners of the image-forming area 50 at the trailingend of film unit 16.

In order to control the distribution of fluid as it is spread by a pairof pressure applying members mounted within a camera, film assemblage 10is provided with a distribution control device. Such a device may takethe form of one or more members which are adapted to apply a secondcompressive force to the central portion of the film unit 16 in the pathof the liquid wave front 76. The added pressure increases the resistanceto fluid flow between elements 54 and 56 at the central portion of thefilm unit thereby selectively retarding the center of the liquid wavefront 76 and causing a flow of fluid outwardly towards the lateralmargins 62 of the film unit to cause a more uniform lateraldistribution.

In a preferred embodiment the distribution control device may includeone or more projections 78 depending from the interior surface of filmcontainer forward wall 22 adjacent the withdrawal slot 40 at the leadingend of the container.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, three such projections78a, 78b, and 780, are symmetrically disposed about a longitudinalcenter line of the film container 12. Preferably, projections 78 areformed of a thermoplastic material and are integrally molded with theinterior surface of forward wall 22. It will be noted that projections78 are tapered to increase in depth in the direction of film advancementthrough withdrawal slot 40 to provide a smooth transition surfacebetween forward wall 22 and withdrawal slot 40.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the projections 78 engage the surface of theforwardmost film unit 16 which includes the image-receiving element 56.This surface of the forwardmost film unit 16 is held in engagement withprojections 78 by the upward force of the spring biased support member18. After the forwardmost film unit 16 has been exposed, it is advancedthrough withdrawal slot 40 and between the rollers 72 and 74. When podseal 68 ruptures, the liquid 70 is discharged rearwardly (to the rightas viewed in FIG. 3) towards projections 78a-c.

It will be noted that projections 78 are aligned in a straight linewhich is spaced from, but is substantially parallel to the axes ofrotation of rollers 72 and 74 such that the initial discharge of liquid70 occurs intermediate rollers 72 and 74 and the projections 78. Whilethe projections 78 and support frame 18 cooperate to apply a compressivepressure to pod 52 as it advances through slot 40, the amount ofcompressive pressure is not sufficient to cause seal 68 to rupture. Theinitial discharge of liquid 70 is caused solely by the compressive forceapplied to pod 52 by rollers 72 and 74.

Continued advancement of the film unit 16 (to the left as viewed in FIG.3) causes rollers 72 and 74 to spread the liquid 70 towards the trailingend of the film unit. As best shown in FIG. 6, projections 78a, 78b, and78c modify the shape of the wave front 76 by applying a secondcompressive force to the central portion of the film unit in the path ofthe wave front 76. This second compressive force selectively increasesthe resistance to fluid flow between elements 54 and 56 and retards theadvancement of the center portion of the wave front 76.

With rollers 72 and 74 applying the first compressive force behind themass ofliquid 70, and projections 78a, 78b, and 78c applying the secondcompressive force to the centtral portion of the fluid flow path infront of the mass of liquid, a portion of the concentration of fluid 70at the center of the film unit seeks the path of least resistance andtends to flow transversely of the direction of film advancement towardthe lateral margins 62 of the film unit 16. Thus the distribution ofliquid between the lateral margins 62 becomes more uniform and the shapeof the wave front 76 is modified such that it is substantially straightand normal to margins 62.

In FIGS. 1 and 3, the distribution control device is shown to includethree separate projections 78a, 78b, and 780. It must be emphasized thatthis type of control device is suited for use with a particular type offilm unit. With another type of film unit having different pod rupturecharacteristics or possibly including a fluid having a differentviscosity; the projections 78' may have different spacing; they may ormay not be symmetrically disposed about the center line of the filmcontainer; the number of projections may be increased or decreased toeven include only one elongated projection; or, the shape of theprojections may be substantially different. For an example of a filmunit which includes a rupturable pod that is subdivided into threeseparate liquid bearing compartments, reference may be had to US. Pat.No. 3,621,768, issued to R. J. Chen on Nov. 23, 1971.

Also, the spacing between the bearing surfaces of projections 78 and therollers 72 and 74 may vary. With one type of film unit, the projections78 may be set back from withdrawal slot 40 towards the trailing end ofthe film container 12. With another, it may be desirable to extend thelength of forward wall 22 such that the bearing surfaces of projections78 extend forwardly (to the left as viewed in FIG. 3) of the containerleading end wall 36.

One alternative embodiment of the present invention, is shown in FIG. 7.It will be noted that the interior surface of the forward wall 22 of thefilm container 12 includes a pair of recesses 80 adjacent to side walls28. By selectively elevating portions of interior surface of containerforward wall 22 near the withdrawal slot 40, the area of contact betweenthe top surface of the forwardmost film unit 16, and the interiorsurface of forward wall 22 near withdrawal slot 40, is reduced to thatportion 82 of forward wall 22 intermediate recesses 80. Therefore, asthe forwardmost film unit 16 is advanced through slot 40, the interiorsurface of portion 82 bears against the central portion of the film unit16 and, in cooperation with support member 18, applies the secondcompressive force to the film unit image-forming area 50 for controllingthe distribution of processing composition 70.

Stated another way, container 12 includes a forward wall 22 having apair of recesses 80 therein which cooperate to define a bearing surface82 therebetween for selectively engaging a portion of a film unit 16 asit is advanced through withdrawal slot 40 to control the distribution ofthe liquid processing composition during film processing operations.

Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.8. The leading end of container forward wall 22 has two triangularsections, near side walls 28 removed therefrom, which define triangularopenings or notches 200. Accordingly, that portion of the interiorsurface of forward wall 22 which bears against the top surface of thefilm unit 16 as it is advanced through slot 40 is reduced to bearingsurface 202 intermediate openings 200. Operating in a manner similar tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the film assemblage 10 includes a filmcontainer 12 having openings 200 therein which define a bearing surface202 therebetween for cooperating with support plate 18 to control thedistribution of a liquid processing fluid as it is spread between and incontact with the superposed elements 54 and 56 of the forwardmost filmunit 16.

Still another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9,9a, and 9b. The interior surface of the leading end of container forwardwall 22 has a pair of triangular recesses or depression 300 moldedtherein to define a forward wall film bearing surface 302 therebetween.As best shown in FIG. 9a, forward wall 22 is relatively thin, i.e.,approximately 0.020 of an inch between its interior and exteriorsurfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the forward wall 22 is tapered inthe regions designated 300 to reduce in thickness from 0.020 of an inchnear the lateral edges of bearing surface 302 to a reduced thicknessapproximating 0.005 of an inch near the side walls 28. It will be notedthat recesses 300 preferably end short of the side walls 28 at 304 tofacilitate molding procedures and to enhance the structural stability ofthe leading end of the film container 12.

With support member 18 urging the forwardmost film unit 16 against theinterior surface of container forward wall 22, the differential in wallthickness between the centrally located bearing surface 302 and the edgerecesses 300 causes a compressive pressure to be selectively applied tothe central portion of the film unit as it is progressively extractedthrough withdrawal slot 40 during processing operations. As notedearlier, by selectively applying a second compressive pressure to thefilm unit in the path of the advancing liquid wave front, the rapidlyadvancing center of the wave front may be retarded thereby causing aflow of fluid toward the lateral margins 62 of the film unit to achievea more uniform distribution of processing fluid.

Again, it may be well to point out that the film containers shown inFIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are intended to be illustrative of embodiments whereinthe forward wall of the container includes recesses or openings whichdefine the bounds of distribution control means therebetween. The numberand location of the recesses or openings will depend on thecharacteristics of the film units intended to be packaged in thesecontainers.

It will be noted, that while it is not shown in the drawings, each ofthe film containers 12 shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 preferably includes alight sealing arrangement for withdrawal slot 40 similar to the oneshown in FIG. 1 at 55 and 58.

As noted earlier, film assemblage 10 is adapted to be inserted into anappropriate photographic apparatus for sequentially exposing andprocessing the film units 16 located within film container 12. Such anapparatus may take the form of a compact, folding, single lens reflexcamera 84 shown in FIG. 4 in its extended and operative position.

Camera 84 includes four housing sections 86, 88 90, and 92, pivotallyconnected at pivots 87, 89, 91, and 93 for movement between a compactfolded position and the extended operative position of FIG. 4, and afifth housing section 94 pivotally coupled to and extending forwardly(to the left as viewed in FIG. 4) of housing section 86. Enclosing thespace between the extended housing sections 86, 88, 90, and 92 to formthe cameras exposure chamber is a foldable opaque bellows or envelope96.

Housing section 86 is a generally parallelepiped shaped structure whichincludes an open-ended chamber 98 therein for receiving the filmassemblage 10. The open end 100 of chamber 98, through which filmcontainer 12 is adapted to be inserted, is located near the interfacebetween housing sections 86 and 94. Access to opening 100 is provided bypivoting housing section 94 in a counterclockwise direction (as viewedin FIG. 4) relative to housing section 86.

Chamber 98 is formed by a rear or bottom wall 102, a pair of inner frameside walls 104 (only one of which is shown), a trailing end wall 106,and a top or forward wall 108. Chamber wall 108 is essentially aplate-like structure having a generally rectangular opening 110 thereinwith which the exposure aperture 26 of film container 12 is adapted tobe aligned.

With housing section 94 located in the open position, film container 12is inserted through opening 100, trailing end first, and is movedrearwardly (to the right as viewed in FIG. 4) into chamber 98. It willbe noted that camera 84 includes a pair of brackets 112 (only one ofwhich is shown) located near opening 100 for pivotally coupling housingsection 92 to housing section 86. Brackets 112 are located adjacent thepath of travel of the film container side walls 28 and engage and pivotthe end cap 60 from the closed to the open position such that it is outof alignment with withdrawal slot 40.

Film container 12 is supported at its operative position within chamber98 by plate 108 which bears against the exterior surface of forward wall22, inner side walls 104 which bear against container side walls 28, anda spring support member 114, mounted on the interior surface of chamberwall 102, which bears against rear wall 32 of the film container 12.

When film container 12 is located at its operative position, theexposure aperture 26 in the forward wall 22 of film container 12 isaligned with aperture 110 in plate 108. Plate 108 serves to positioncontainer 12 such that the forwardmost film unit 16 is located at thecamera's exposure plane (subsequent to removal of dark slide 14). A pairof electrical contacts 116 (only one of which is shown) extend throughopenings 42 in the rear wall 32 of the container 12 and make electricalcontact to the electrodes on the underside of battery 20. Also, a filmadvancing mechanism (not shown) mounted in housing section 86 extendsthrough opening 53 in the forward and trailing end walls of the filmcontainer 12 for engaging and advancing the forwardmost film unit 16through withdrawal slot 40.

After film container 12 has been located at its operative positionwithin chamber 98, housing section 94 is pivoted to its closed positionthereby locating a pair of pressure applying members 118 and 120,mounted thereon, in operative relation with the film containerwithdrawal slot 40. Pressure applying members 118 and 120 preferablytake the form of a pair of cylindrical, juxtaposed rollers having theiraxes of rotation substantially parallel to the leading end wall 36 of afilm container located in chamber 98 such that the bite between therollers is in a plane which includes withdrawal slot 40 and the camerasexposure plane.

The forwardmost film unit 16 is adapted to be exposed by image-bearinglight transmitted through the aperture 1 10 in plate 108 and theexposure aperture 26 in the forward wall 22 of film container 12.

Camera 84, being of the single lens reflex type, is adapted to operatefirst in a viewing and focusing mode and then in an exposure andprocessing mode.

The cameras optical system includes an objective lens mounted in housingsection 92; a planar mirror mounted on the interior surface of housingsection 88; a plate-like reflex member pivotally mounted in housingsection 86 at pivot 87 for movement between a viewing and focusingposition in which the reflex member rests atop plate 108 in coveringrelation to aperture 110 and an exposure position in which it ispositioned parallel with and adjacent to the planar mirror mounted onhousing section 88; and a reflex type viewing device 122 mounted onhousing section 90. The plate-like reflex member includes a reflectivefocusing screen on its top side facing housing sections 88 and and aplanar mirror on its underside facing receiving chamber 98.

During the viewing and focusing mode of operation, light from theobjective lens is directed toward the mirror mounted on housing section88 which reflects it downwardly onto the focusing screen coveringaperture to form an image of the scene to be photographed. Lightemanating from the image on the focusing screen is directed back to themirror mounted on housing section 88 which reflects it into the viewingdevice 122. A second image of the scene is formed by the viewing device122 which may be viewed from an eye station designated 124.

After adjusting the objective lens such that the image of the scene isin sharp focus, the user actuates a button mounted on housing section 92to initiate the exposure and processing mode of operation. A shutterbehind the objective lens closes and an entrance pupil for the viewingdevice 122 is blocked to render the chamber, formed by the bellows 96,lighttight. The reflex membet is pivoted upwardly such that the planarmirror on the underside faces the objective lens. The shutter is openedand light therefrom is reflected by the mirror on the underside of thereflex member through apertures 110 and 26 to cause exposure ofphotosensitive element 54 of the forwardmost film unit 16 through itstransparent image-receiving element 56. After an appropriate exposureinterval, the shutter is closed and the reflex member is returned to itsviewing position. The shutter is then opened and the viewing deviceentrance pupil is unblocked.

As the reflex member is being returned to the viewing position, the filmadvance mechanism engages the exposed forwardmost film unit 16 and movesit through the withdrawal slot 40 into the bite of rollers 118 and 120.At least one of the rollers is driven in a direction to cause the filmunit 16 to be advanced therebetween towards the exterior of the camera84 (to the left as viewed in FIG. 4).

For a more detailed description of the cameras optical system and modesof operation reference may be had to the copending application of PeterF. Costa and Edward H. Coughlan, Ser. No. 141,554, filed on May 10,I971, now US. Pat. No. 3,722,389 and assigned to the same assignee asthe present invention.

As pod 52 passes between rollers 118 and 120, they apply compressivepressure to walls 65 of the pod causing the weaker seal 68 to ruptureand discharge the mass of fluid 70 between the photosensitive sheet 54and the image-receiving sheet 56. As described earlier, the distributioncontrol projections 78a, 78b, and 780, located on the interior surfaceof container forward wall 22, (or the bearing surfaces such as 82, 202,or 302 of the several alternative embodiments described) in cooperationwith the support member 18, apply a second compressive pressure to thecentral portion of the film unit 16 in the path of the liquid wave front76. The center section of the wave front 76 travelling in a directionparallel to the direction of film advancement is thereby retardedcausing a flow of fluid in a direction transverse of the direction offilm advancement to more evenly distribute the layer of fluid 70 withinthe laminate.

It was described earlier in the disclosure that the plastic walls offilm container 12 were relatively thin and therefore flexible. It willbe apparent to one skilled in the art that in order for the distributioncontrol members to function properly they must be accurately positionedwith respect to the forwardmost film unit 16.

In a preferred embodiment, the forwardmost film unit 16 is located atthe cameras exposure plane and is adapted to be moved in a film exitplane into the bite of the rollers 118 and 120. Depending on the designof the camera, the film exit plane may or may not coincide with theexposure plane. Therefore, it is important to accurately locate thedistribution control projections 78 such that they bear against the topsurface of the forwardmost film unit 16 with the desired amount ofpressure to effect uniform fluid distribution as the film unit isadvanced along the film exit plane. Since the distribution controlmembers are generally integrally formed with the forward wall 22 of thefilm container 12, their location with respect to the forwardmost filmunit 16 will, at best, be uncertain because of the flexibility of theforward wall 22.

In order to accurately locate the distribution control members, certainof the structural members forming chamber 98 are configured to engageand dimensionally stabilize film container 12 when it is located at itsoperative position therein. For example, that portion 126 of the plate108, which is positioned over the portion 128 of forward wall 22 betweenupstanding rib 24 and the leading end of forward wall 22, provides abearing surface which restrains any upward bowing or distortion offorward wall portion 128. Also, inner frame side walls 104 bear againstcontainer side wall 28 to provide lateral support for the leading end ofthe container 12. The rigidity of the container is also enhanced by asupport surface 130, which may be integrally formed with the bottom wall102 of chamber 98 to bear against the leading end of the container rearwall 32.

It will be understood that portion 126 of plate 108 may be suitablyconfigured to engage and restrain a film container having a non-planarforward wall portion such as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

In this manner, the normally flexible walls of the container 12 arerestrained and dimensionally stabilized when the container is located atits operative position within chamber 98 and camera 84 is provided withmeans for accurately locating distribution control members, forming anintegral part ofa film assemblage, in relation to a film unit locatedatan exposure position therein.

In summary, a novel system for uniformly spreading a liquid processingcomposition within a selfdeveloping film unit laminate has beenprovided.

The system features a photographic film assemblage including a containerholding at least one film unit therein which is adapted to be exposedand then treated with a liquid processing composition, and meansassociated with the container, so as to form an integral part of theassemblage, for controlling the distribution of the liquid duringtreatment of the film unit.

The system also includes photographic apparatus, preferably a camera,into which the film assemblage is adapted to be inserted to locatethefilm unit at an exposure position therein. The camera is provided withpressure applying means for spreading the liquid processing compositionbetween and in contact with superposed elements of the film unit andmeans for engaging and dimensionally stabilizing the container toaccurately locate the distribution control means in operativeassociation with the film unit positioned for exposure.

A major advantage of such a system isthat several different types offilm assemblages, i.e., each having distribution control means that areuniquely configured for the particular type of film unit containedtherein, may be utilized with the same camera.

The distribution control means may include one or more projections (or abearing surface defined by recesses or openings in the forward wall ofthe container) integrally formed with the forward wall of the containernear the withdrawal slot In operation, the distribution control meansselectively apply a compressive pressure to the central portion of thefilm unit to retard the center of the liquid wave front of processingfluid thereby causing a flow of fluid outwardly towards the lateralmargins of the film unit to achieve more uniform fluid distribution.

Since certain changes may be made in the above photographic filmassemblage and photographic apparatus without departing from the scopeof the invention herein involved, it is intended that all mattercontained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawingsshall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is: l. A photographic film assemblage comprising: acontainer; at least one film unit within said container including animage-forming area which is adapted to be treated with a liquidprocessing composition; and

means associated with said container so as to form an integral part ofsaid assemblage for controlling the distribution of the liquidprocessing composition during treatment of said one film unit byapplying a compressive pressure to a selective portion of saidimage-forming area.

2. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1 wherein saidmeans for controlling the distribution by applying said compressivepressure to said selective portion of said image-forming area includesat least one member for engaging one side of said one film unit andmeans for urging said one side of said one film unit into engagementwith said one member.

3. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 2 wherein thenumber of members for engaging said one side of said one film unit ismore than one.

4. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 2 furtherincluding a plurality of film units disposed between said one film unitand said means for urging said one film unit into engagement with saidone member.

5. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1 wherein saidcontainer includes a forward wall having a light-transmission sectiontherein through which said one film unit is adapted to be exposed and awithdrawal slot at one end of said container through which said one filmunit is adapted to be extracted therefrom and said distribution controlmeans includes means integrally formed with said forward wall forengaging one side of said one film unit and means for urging said onefilm unit into engagement with said film engaging means and forcooperating with said film engaging means to apply said compressivepressure to said selective portion of said image-forming area to effectuniform distribution of the liquid processing composition duringtreatment of said one film unit.

6. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 5 wherein saidmeans for engaging one side of said one film unit includes at least oneprojection depending from said forward wall.

7. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 5 wherein saidmeans for engaging said one side of said one film unit includes aplurality of projections depending from said forward wall.

8. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 5 wherein saidmeans for engaging said one side of said one film unit includes aportion of said forward wall bounded by at least one recess integrallyformed with said forward wall.

9. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 5 wherein saidforward wall includes a plurality of recesses formed therein and saidmeans for engaging said one side of said one film unit includes aportion of said forward wall intermediate said plurality of reces- 6ses.

10. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 5 wherein saidmeans for engaging said one side of said one film unit includes abearing surface intermediate a pair of openings in said forward wall.

11. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 5 furtherincluding a plurality of film units arranged in stacked relation betweensaid one film unit and said means for urging said one film unit intoengagement with said film engaging means.

12. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1 wherein eachsaid film unit includes a photosensitive layer, a superposedimage-receiving layer, and a rupturable container having a liquidprocessing composition therein which is adapted to be distributedbetween predetermined layers of said film unit.

13. A photographic film assemblage comprising:

a container including a forward wall having a lighttransmission sectiontherein and a withdrawal slot at one end of said container;

a plurality of film units each including a photosensitive layer, asuperposed image-receiving layer, and a rupturable container having aliquid processing composition therein which is adapted to be distributedbetween predetermined layers of said film unit, said film units beingarranged in stacked relation within said container with a forwardmostfilm unit located adjacent said forward wall in position for exposurethrough said light-transmission section and its container of processingcomposition located adjacent to and in alignment with said withdrawalslot such that said forwardmost film unit may be extracted from saidcontainer therethrough for spreading of said liquid processingcomposition; and

means for controlling the distribution of said processing compositionduring spreading including means integrally formed with said forwardwall adjacent said withdrawal slot for engaging a selective portion of asurface of said forwardmost film adjacent said forward wall.

14. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 13 furtherincluding film support means for urging said stack of film units towardssaid forward wall and for cooperating with said film engaging means toapply a compressive pressure to said selective portion of saidforwardmost film unit to effect uniform distribution of said liquidprocessing composition between said predetermined layers.

15. A photographic film assemblage for use with photographic apparatusof the type including pressure applying means for spreading a liquidprocessing composition between superposed layers of a film unit as thefilm unit is advanced relative to the pressure applying means, said filmassemblage comprising:

a container;

at least one film unit including a photosensitive layer, a superposedimage-receiving layer, and a rupturable container having a liquidprocessing composition therein which is adapted to be distributedbetween predetermined layers of said one film unit, said one film unitbeing adapted to be advanced from said container into operativeassociation with the pressure applying means for discharging said liquidfrom said rupturable container and distributing said liquid as said filmunit is advanced relative to the pressure applying means; and

means associated with said container for controlling the distribution ofsaid liquid processing composition between said predetermined layers, asit is distributed by the pressure applying means, by applying acompressive pressure to a selective portion of said one film unit.

16. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim wherein saidliquid processing composition is discharged from said rupturablecontainer in a mass which is spread along a wave front traveling in adirection which is substantially parallel to the direction of film unitadvancement relative to the pressure applying means and saiddistribution control means serves to retard a portion of the wave frontand cause a flow of liquid in a direction transverse to the direction offilm advancement.

17. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 15 wherein thepressure applying means apply a first compressive pressure to said onefilm unit to cause discharge of said liquid from said rupturablecontainer and subsequent distribution and said distribution controlmeans apply a second compressive pressure to said one film unit in thepath of said liquid wave front to effect the uniform distribution ofsaid liquid between said predetermined layers of said film unit.

18. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 17 wherein saidcontainer includes a forward wall having a light-transmission sectiontherein through which said one film unit is adapted to be exposed and awithdrawal slot at one end of said container which is adapted to bealigned with the pressure applying means of said apparatus such thatsaid one film unit may be advanced through said slot into operativeassociation with the pressure applying means subsequent to exposure andsaid distribution control means include means integrally formed withsaid forward wall adjacent to said withdrawal slot for engaging onesurface of said one film unit and means cooperating with said filmengaging means for urging said one surface into engagement with saidfilm engaging means to apply a compressive pressure to said selectiveportion of said one film unit to effect the uniform distribution of saidliquid as it is distributed by the pressure applying means.

19. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 18 wherein saidmeans integrally formed with said forward wall for engaging said onesurface of said one film unit includes at least one projection dependingfrom said forward wall.

20. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 18 wherein saidmeans integrally formed with said forward wall for engaging said onesurface of said one film unit includes a bearing surface defined by atleast one recess formed in said forward wall adjacent said withdrawalslot.

21. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 18 furtherincluding a plurality of film units disposed between said one film unitand said means for urging said one film unit into engagement with saidfilm engaging means such that said one film unit is the forwardmost filmunit in the stack.

22. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 18 wherein saidforward wall is relatively flexible and is adapted to engage and berestrained by structure within the photographic apparatus for accuratelylocating said film engaging means in operative relation with said onesurface of said one film unit.

23. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 18 wherein saidone surface of said film unit includes a transparent sheet through whichactinic radiation is adapted to pass to expose said photosensitivelayer.

24. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 18 wherein saidmeans integrally formed with said forward wall for engaging one surfaceof said one film unit is dimensioned to be narrower than the width ofsaid withdrawal slot.

25. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 15 wherein saidone film unit includes leading and trailing end margins and lateralmargins which cooperate to define the bounds of an image forming areaand said liquid is adapted to be discharged adjacent said leading endmargin and progressively advanced along a wave front towards saidtrailing end longitudinal margin by the pressure applying means and saiddistribution control means is adapted to retard a selective portion ofthe wave front to cause a portion of said liquid to flow towards saidlateral margin to effect a more uniform lateral distribution of saidliquid between said photosensitive and image-receiving elements.

26. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 25 wherein saiddistribution control means engage and apply a compressive pressure toselective portions of said image-forming area of said film unit toretard a selective portion of the wave front.

2. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1 wherein saidmeans for controlling the distribution by applying said compressivepressure to said selective portion of said image-forming area includesat least one member for engaging one side of said one film unit andmeans for urging said one side of said one film unit into engagementwith said one member.
 3. A photographic film assemblage as defined inclaim 2 wherein the number of members for engaging said one side of saidone film unit is more than one.
 4. A photographic film assemblage asdefined in claim 2 further including a plurality of film units disposedbetween said one film unit and said means for urging said one film unitinto engagement with said one member.
 5. A photographic film assemblageas defined in claim 1 wherein said container includes a forward wallhaving a light-transmission section therein through which said one filmunit is adapted to be exposed and a withdrawal slot at one end of saidcontainer through which said one film unit is adapted to be extractedtherefrom and said distribution control means includes means integrallyformed with said forward wall for engaging one side of said one filmunit and means for urging said one film unit into engagement with saidfilm engaging means and for cooperating with said film engaging means toapply said compressive pressure to said selective portion of saidimage-forming area to effect uniform distribution of the liquidprocessing composition during treatment of said one film unit.
 6. Aphotographic film assemblage as defined in claim 5 wherein said meansfor engaging one side of said one film unit includes at least oneprojection depending from said forward wall.
 7. A photographic filmassemblage as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for engaging saidone side of said one film unit includes a plurality of projectionsdepending from said forward wall.
 8. A photographic film assemblage asdefined in claim 5 wherein said means for engaging said oNe side of saidone film unit includes a portion of said forward wall bounded by atleast one recess integrally formed with said forward wall.
 9. Aphotographic film assemblage as defined in claim 5 wherein said forwardwall includes a plurality of recesses formed therein and said means forengaging said one side of said one film unit includes a portion of saidforward wall intermediate said plurality of recesses.
 10. A photographicfilm assemblage as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for engagingsaid one side of said one film unit includes a bearing surfaceintermediate a pair of openings in said forward wall.
 11. A photographicfilm assemblage as defined in claim 5 further including a plurality offilm units arranged in stacked relation between said one film unit andsaid means for urging said one film unit into engagement with said filmengaging means.
 12. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 1wherein each said film unit includes a photosensitive layer, asuperposed image-receiving layer, and a rupturable container having aliquid processing composition therein which is adapted to be distributedbetween predetermined layers of said film unit.
 13. A photographic filmassemblage comprising: a container including a forward wall having alight-transmission section therein and a withdrawal slot at one end ofsaid container; a plurality of film units each including aphotosensitive layer, a superposed image-receiving layer, and arupturable container having a liquid processing composition thereinwhich is adapted to be distributed between predetermined layers of saidfilm unit, said film units being arranged in stacked relation withinsaid container with a forwardmost film unit located adjacent saidforward wall in position for exposure through said light-transmissionsection and its container of processing composition located adjacent toand in alignment with said withdrawal slot such that said forwardmostfilm unit may be extracted from said container therethrough forspreading of said liquid processing composition; and means forcontrolling the distribution of said processing composition duringspreading including means integrally formed with said forward walladjacent said withdrawal slot for engaging a selective portion of asurface of said forwardmost film adjacent said forward wall.
 14. Aphotographic film assemblage as defined in claim 13 further includingfilm support means for urging said stack of film units towards saidforward wall and for cooperating with said film engaging means to applya compressive pressure to said selective portion of said forwardmostfilm unit to effect uniform distribution of said liquid processingcomposition between said predetermined layers.
 15. A photographic filmassemblage for use with photographic apparatus of the type includingpressure applying means for spreading a liquid processing compositionbetween superposed layers of a film unit as the film unit is advancedrelative to the pressure applying means, said film assemblagecomprising: a container; at least one film unit including aphotosensitive layer, a superposed image-receiving layer, and arupturable container having a liquid processing composition thereinwhich is adapted to be distributed between predetermined layers of saidone film unit, said one film unit being adapted to be advanced from saidcontainer into operative association with the pressure applying meansfor discharging said liquid from said rupturable container anddistributing said liquid as said film unit is advanced relative to thepressure applying means; and means associated with said container forcontrolling the distribution of said liquid processing compositionbetween said predetermined layers, as it is distributed by the pressureapplying means, by applying a compressive pressure to a selectiveportion of said one film unit.
 16. A photographic film assemblage asdefined in claim 15 wherein said liquid processing composition isdisCharged from said rupturable container in a mass which is spreadalong a wave front traveling in a direction which is substantiallyparallel to the direction of film unit advancement relative to thepressure applying means and said distribution control means serves toretard a portion of the wave front and cause a flow of liquid in adirection transverse to the direction of film advancement.
 17. Aphotographic film assemblage as defined in claim 15 wherein the pressureapplying means apply a first compressive pressure to said one film unitto cause discharge of said liquid from said rupturable container andsubsequent distribution and said distribution control means apply asecond compressive pressure to said one film unit in the path of saidliquid wave front to effect the uniform distribution of said liquidbetween said predetermined layers of said film unit.
 18. A photographicfilm assemblage as defined in claim 17 wherein said container includes aforward wall having a light-transmission section therein through whichsaid one film unit is adapted to be exposed and a withdrawal slot at oneend of said container which is adapted to be aligned with the pressureapplying means of said apparatus such that said one film unit may beadvanced through said slot into operative association with the pressureapplying means subsequent to exposure and said distribution controlmeans include means integrally formed with said forward wall adjacent tosaid withdrawal slot for engaging one surface of said one film unit andmeans cooperating with said film engaging means for urging said onesurface into engagement with said film engaging means to apply acompressive pressure to said selective portion of said one film unit toeffect the uniform distribution of said liquid as it is distributed bythe pressure applying means.
 19. A photographic film assemblage asdefined in claim 18 wherein said means integrally formed with saidforward wall for engaging said one surface of said one film unitincludes at least one projection depending from said forward wall.
 20. Aphotographic film assemblage as defined in claim 18 wherein said meansintegrally formed with said forward wall for engaging said one surfaceof said one film unit includes a bearing surface defined by at least onerecess formed in said forward wall adjacent said withdrawal slot.
 21. Aphotographic film assemblage as defined in claim 18 further including aplurality of film units disposed between said one film unit and saidmeans for urging said one film unit into engagement with said filmengaging means such that said one film unit is the forwardmost film unitin the stack.
 22. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 18wherein said forward wall is relatively flexible and is adapted toengage and be restrained by structure within the photographic apparatusfor accurately locating said film engaging means in operative relationwith said one surface of said one film unit.
 23. A photographic filmassemblage as defined in claim 18 wherein said one surface of said filmunit includes a transparent sheet through which actinic radiation isadapted to pass to expose said photosensitive layer.
 24. A photographicfilm assemblage as defined in claim 18 wherein said means integrallyformed with said forward wall for engaging one surface of said one filmunit is dimensioned to be narrower than the width of said withdrawalslot.
 25. A photographic film assemblage as defined in claim 15 whereinsaid one film unit includes leading and trailing end margins and lateralmargins which cooperate to define the bounds of an image forming areaand said liquid is adapted to be discharged adjacent said leading endmargin and progressively advanced along a wave front towards saidtrailing end longitudinal margin by the pressure applying means and saiddistribution control means is adapted to retard a selective portion ofthe wave front to cause a portion of said liquid to flow towards saidlateral margin to effect a more uniform lateral distribution of saidliquid between said photosensitive and image-receiving elements.
 26. Aphotographic film assemblage as defined in claim 25 wherein saiddistribution control means engage and apply a compressive pressure toselective portions of said image-forming area of said film unit toretard a selective portion of the wave front.